The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat based on a mandate from the Conference of Heads of Government is pursuing the development of a Caribbean Sustainable Energy Roadmap and Strategy (C-SERMS), which will provide a more strategic and expedited approach to the implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in the region. The overall goal is to address the inadequate energy security of most CARICOM Member States, through the increased diversification of energy supply away from the disproportionate dependence on imported petroleum and petroleum products, as well as, to establish more climate compatible economies.

The CARICOM Secretariat has planned a C-SERMS Resource Mobilisation Forum, with support from the Inter-American Development Bank and the Government of Germany through the German Agency for International Cooperation. The aim of the forum is to share information among various energy sector stakeholders and garner funding support, technical assistance and commitments towards further development and implementation of identified initiatives, programs and projects.

Members of the Worldwatch team will be presenting key findings from the first phase of the C-SERMS initiative. The recently finished report highlights important targets for the region’s energy sector between now and 2027. Team representatives will also highlight significant initiatives that member states can commit to as “next steps” in the transition to an energy sector less reliant on costly and damaging fossil fuels.

For more information or to schedule interviews with Worldwatch researchers, contact Supriya Kumar at skumar@worldwatch.org.

Worldwatch is an independent research organization based in Washington, D.C. that works on energy, resource, and environmental issues. The Institute’s State of the World report is published annually in 15 languages. For more information, visit www.worldwatch.org. Worldwatch's Climate and Energy Program aims to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy based on sustainable use of renewable energy sources in concert with major energy efficiency gains, sustainable agricultural practices, and low-emissions transportation. The group reports regularly on its work on the Institute’s Re|Volt blog atwww.blogs.worldwatch.org/revolt/.

About the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat:

Started in 1972, the Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM) seeks to strengthen ties among Caribbean islands through economic integration, functional cooperation, and coordination of foreign policies. Comprising fifteen member states and five associate members, the Secretariat focuses on work affecting human and social development, regional trade and economic integration, and foreign and community relations. For more information, visit www.caricom.org.